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The Pinoy cultural references in "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" animation

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<p>As a series that carries a touch of fairytale, one of the biggest creative challenges for the Philippine adaptation of &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</em></u></strong></a>&quot; was bringing the whimsical stories of children’s book author Mia Hernandez (Anne Curtis) to life. </p><p>Our very own Pinoy animators and designers from Puppeteer Studios knew these worlds had to exist vividly in the viewers’ imagination, so they poured immense effort into crafting the animation with painstaking details that are distinctly Filipino. Steeped in local culture, history, and artistry, the animation becomes a gorgeous spectacle that’s both breathtaking to watch and proudly our own.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOdTRX7EsPv/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1633608.7000000179%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1203" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>In a short behind-the-scenes reel uploaded by Star Creatives, the series’ director, Mae Cruz-Alviar, shared that the vision from the very beginning was to root the animation in Filipino identity. “<em>We want to make it local. We want to make it very Filipino. We took inspiration from the Amorsolo paintings</em>,” she said.  </p><p>Fernando Amorsolo&#x27;s works are known for capturing the rural beauty of the Philippines. And his influence can be felt in the sun-drenched &#x27;bukid&#x27; scenes, blooming flora, and the warmth of the countryside as echoed in the animation&#x27;s landscapes. </p><p>Production designer Leo Velasco recalled how he presented these references to Puppeteer Studios, the all-local animation company behind the project. “<em>Pinakita ko ‘yun sa Puppeteer, asked them if possible na makuha namin ‘yung lighting style</em>.” From there, the animators began the painstaking task of creating frames that were grounded in cultural identity.</p><p>Illustrator JC Galag added another layer by infusing Philippine mythology into the designs. This research-based approach was evident in every storybook sequence. For instance, in the tale of “<em>Ang Prinsesa at Anino ng Kadiliman</em>” which opened the pilot episode, the young boy and princess characters were seen walking through a setting inspired by Calle Crisologo in Ilocos Sur. They also modeled a structure after The Ruins in Talisay, Negros Occidental. </p><div><iframe width="967" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gbY2QuJ_ImI" title="The story of the dark Princess | It&#x27;s Okay To Not be Okay (with English Subs)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Even the smallest elements were carefully thought out, such as the movement of the female character’s hair and the delicate eyelet dress chosen for its Pinoy sensibility, each rendered with precision that no frame came across as rushed.</p><p>“<em>Grabe ‘yung effort. Grabe ‘yung work that they put in talaga to make it realistic. When you watch it, alam mong, ‘Ah, ano ‘to, atin ‘to</em>,’” Direk Mae gushed proudly.</p><p>Aurthur Mercader, creative director from Puppeteer Studios, echoed the pride of the team. “<em>As far as animation, and the animation audience, they find pride in knowing that we can produce really nice work. Ang nakikita mo doon sa frame, pinag-isipan namin kung paano namin gagawing Pinoy</em>.” He revealed that the massive tree with a mansion perched on top was one of the most ambitious creations they’ve ever done. “<em>I think that’s the heaviest asset we’ve ever produced in the studio so far. Every root, every detail was really built</em>,” he explained.</p><p>For Direk Mae, this level of craftsmanship is a triumph in itself, “<em>Ganu’n siya kadetalyado… I’m so proud of what they&#x27;ve done. One of the reasons I&#x27;m proud dito sa show na &#x27;to is because  we are able to showcase our Filipino talent</em>&quot;</p><p>Catch “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</em></u></strong></a>”, starring Joshua Garcia, Anne Curtis, and Carlo Aquino, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, and TV5, weeknights at 8:45 PM. Watch it in advance on <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb"><strong><u><em>iWant</em></u></strong></a>.</p>

<p>Puppeteer Studios reveals the process of bringing “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” animation vividly on screen</p>

Puppeteer Studios reveals the process of bringing “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” animation vividly on screen

From Amorsolo paintings to Calle Crisologo: The Pinoy cultural references in 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' animation

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From Amorsolo paintings to Calle Crisologo: The Pinoy cultural references in 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' animation

Liezel Dela Cruz

Published Sep 16, 2025 12:01 AM PHT

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Updated Sep 16, 2025 09:10 AM PHT

Read More:

It's Okay to Not Be Okay

It's Okay to Not Be Okay Animation

Puppeteer Studios

Anne Curtis

Joshua Garcia

Carlo Aquino

It's Okay to Not Be Okay Behind the Scenes

Mae Cruz Alviar

It's Okay to Not Be Okay Director

Mia Hernandez

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